Speaker of the Seimas, Viktoras Pranckietis, and former Speakers of the Lithuanian Parliament have planted an oak tree marking the Centenary of Lithuania

Press release, 15 May 2018

From the left: Vydas Gedvilas, Viktoras Muntianas, Arūnas Valinskas, Loreta Graužinienė, Viktoras Pranckietis, Česlovas Juršėnas, Artūras Paulauskas.

Photo of the Office of the Seimas (author Olga Posaškova)

Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas, together with former Speakers, have planted an oak tree near the Seimas to mark the Centenary of the restored Lithuania.

‘Prior to this occasion, the tradition of meeting with former Speakers of the Seimas was non-existent. I hope that following today’s precedent this will happen more often. Today, near the buildings of the Seimas, we jointly planted a symbolic oak tree marking the Centenary of Lithuania. When it grows, we will be able to see it through the windows of the Plenary Chamber of the Seimas. I hope it will serve as a symbol of unity and common purpose both to the MPs toiling in the buildings of the Seimas and the citizens of Lithuania passing by the building on their way,’ the Speaker of the Seimas said.

Participants of the oak-planting ceremony included Viktoras Pranckietis, current Speaker of the Seimas, as well as former Speakers: Česlovas Juršėnas (1992–1996 and 2004–2008),  Artūras Paulauskas (2000–2004 and 2004–2008), Viktoras Muntianas (2004–2008), Arūnas Valinskas and Irena Degutienė (2008–2012) as well as Vydas Gedvilas and Loreta Graužinienė (2012–2016).

The Oak of the Centenary of Lithuania can be found in the square near Building 2 of the Seimas, in the vicinity of the January 13th Memorial. It keeps company to other trees marking memorable occasions. Other plants include the oak tree commemorating the Tenth Seimas of the Lithuanian World Community planted in 2000; an oak tree marking the 25th anniverasry of the Sąjūdis Reform Movement planted in 2013; and the Tree of Baltic Unity marking the 25th anniversary of the Baltic Way planted in 2014.

Paulius Žeimys, Assistant to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5  239 6030, mob. +370 612 26 440, e-mail: [email protected]